Greater Miami Jewish Federation 2018 Pacesetter Event

Hundreds of Miami’s leading Jewish philanthropists gathered for a powerful program at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Pacesetter Event at the Hilton Miami Downtown.

Chaired by Jane and Amir Gold and Robert Zarco, the event raised more than $2.2 million for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign to care for people in need, support vital programs and strengthen Jewish life in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries around the world.

The evening included remarks from community leaders, including Federation Board Chair Amy N. Dean and Federation General Campaign Chair Jeffrey Scheck. In his speech, Scheck detailed Federation’s direct involvement and financial support in bringing more than 14,000 Ethiopian Jews home to Israel in one miraculous night in 1991. And then, to everyone’s surprise, Hagit Yaso, an Ethiopian-Israeli winner of Kokhav Nolad – Israel’s version of American Idol – appeared on stage singing “Killing Me Softly.” She returned later that evening for additional selections.

In a poignant moment that welcomed the third night of Chanukah, Rabbi Gary Glickstein of Temple Beth Sholom led the room in the prayers for the holiday. Each table then lit their own Chanukiah, filling the room with nearly 200 candlelights, honoring the spirit of the holiday and the warmth of community.

Keynote speaker Rabbi Joseph Telushkin discussed the powerful impact our words can have on others, a theme he explored in his book, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal. He challenged guests to go 24 hours without saying anything negative about anyone.

Federation gratefully acknowledges its 2018 Proud Business Partners for their generous support of The Pacesetter Event. Platinum Sponsors were Bilzin Sumberg, Attorneys at Law; The Collection; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; The Lacquer Foundation; The Miami Herald and Wells Fargo. Gold Sponsors were Akerman, City National Bank, Crystal & Company, Kaufman Rossin, Kent Security Services, Sapoznik Insurance & Associates and South Florida Legal Guide. Silver Sponsors were Meland Russin & Budwick, P.A. and The Meltzer Group. Bronze Sponsors were Carlton Fields, Houlihan Lokey, Iberia Bank and J.P. Morgan. Pearl Sponsors were Apollo Bank; BDO; Miami Design District; Element Pointe Advisors; H & CO.; Miami Design District; Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra, Certified Public Accountants; Northern Trust; Omnia Family Wealth; Perry Ellis International and Podhurst Orseck, P.A.

For more information about the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, please visit JewishMiami.org or call 305-576-4000.